This is the first week in 31 months where I’ve had to make myself look presentable before 7 a.m. Three days in a row. And counting. So now you know it’s true: I’ve made the leap back into paid employment.

To prepare myself for the shock of reentering the workforce, I spent the last 30 days of my “mommy sabbatical” focused not so much on my family but on myself. I hosted and went to mommy coffees, sweated liters of water during Body Combat, lunched out, went skiing, practiced taekwondo, attempted yoga, caught a few shows, ran a 5K, went on a Downton Abbey sleepover, and otherwise thoroughly enjoyed the company of an amazingly wide circle of women (and a few men) who I am so incredibly fortunate to call “friends.” It was an amazing month. Thank you all!

Oh, don’t worry. I hardly neglected my family. I also made elaborate dinners (a departure from my usual scrounging around in the fridge for edibles), scrubbed the house, hoed out the kids’ rooms and spent quality time with the OINKdaddy. On three Wednesdays in a row, I let Small, Medium and Large play hooky (One child at a time – I’m not totally insane!). We spent our days together doing whatever they wanted to do (snowboarding, arts and crafts and skeet ball – guess who wanted what). We had a ball and I hope they will forever remember our “Mommy Days.”

Darla, I almost peed my pants when I saw that was my number. The OINKdaddy did too. It’s all an adventure – I feel very lucky to still be on one! If I’m ever sent to Maine, I’ll be sure to let you know!

I was trying to comment on your KidsVT article but you have to subscribe to KidsVT or connect accounts (stupid KidsVT!) but it’s a really great piece! And congratulations on your SECOND published piece! (Two points make a line and thus you are officially a professional writer 😉

You could, too, Julie! I didn’t think I could do it, either – at first. But in the end, I’m really glad I took the opportunity when I did. Before we know it, our kids will be dusting boxes of cigarette cartons and wearing dorky uniforms and gossiping about who kissed who. 😉

I loved your article in KidsVT and am happy to know there are other parents out there who have pulled the Children’s Tylenol out in desperation!! I admire your open-ness about how you’re feeling, particularly about such a hot-button issue. Ultimately we need to do what is right for our situation, and it doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks.
Best of luck in your new role! Enjoy “spreading your toes.”

Yay! Validation! Thanks for your good wishes. It has now been exactly one week and as one of my coworkers pointed out, I have left work at the appointed hour exactly one time. It’s hard to squelch my workaholic tendencies. So far, though, I haven’t brought any work home and that I am determined to stick to! Will you be back in the states any time soon?

I LOVED your article and love your post…. so many relatable posts, thank you! As part of your SAHM clan, I will miss you terribly! With tears down my face Mary, I salute your bravery!!! Good luck in your new role and remember I am usually around if you ever have an emergency!